Tonight we are finally hearing from Donald sterling, the owner of the L.A. Clippers and one of the richest men in Hollywood. Weeks after caught on tape making those racist comments, now comes another audio tape on which sterling defends himself. Though what kind of defense can he offer? What does he say about the NBA's plan to force him out of his own team? Here is ABC's Ryan smith. You think I'm a race snis you think you think I have anything but love for everybody. Reporter: That is Donald sterling last week banned by the NBA after a racist tirade went public and rocked the nation. No justice! You don't think that. You know I am not a racist. Reporter: In a recorded phone call posted today by radaronline, sterling spekdz on racism allegations for the first time and explaining why he is tolerant. What about when I hear the tape, the tape I heard. I grew up in east L.A. East L.A. You die to got out of there the I got out of east L.A. I was the president of the high school there. I mean, and I am a Jew. And 50% of the people there were black. And 40% were hispanic. Reporter: In the call sterling is questioned by an unidentified friend. How can you be in business and be a racist? Do you think I tell the coach to get white players? Or get the best player he can get? Reporter: Some have said the conversation sound less than natural calling into question the validity of the recording. Of course, sterling is much better known for this recording. It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast you are associating with black people. Reporter: A taped conversation with his lady confidant, V. Stiviano. Do you know you have a whole team that is black that plays for you? Do I know? I support them and give them food and clothes and cars and houses. Reporter: The racist comments sparked widespread outrage and cost sterling what he loves most. I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the clippers organization or the NBA. Last Friday in an ABC news exclusive, Barbara Walters sat down with V. Stiviano who adamantly defended Mr. Sterling amidst the uproar. Is Donald sterling a racist? No. I don't believe it in my heart. Have you heard him say derogatory things about minorities in general? And blacks in particular? Absolutely. You have heard him say derogatory things? Yes. Don't they sound racist to you? I think that things he says are not what he feels. Anyone can say anything in the heat of the moment. I think Mr. Sterling is from a different generation than I am. I think he was brought up to believe those things. What things? Segregation. Whites and blacks. He was brought up to believe, believe in his own way. And they're ingrained him, and deep and rooted in his body and in his mind. But through his actions, he has shown that he is not a racist. Through his actions, he has shown to be a very generous and kind man. Reporter: The NBA has not been as forgiving saying it is within their power to strip sterling of his clipper franchise by forcing a sale. Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any clippers facility. And he may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. Last week an array of big name celebrities were mentioned as possible buyers. Any chance you will buy the clippers? No, I will not be buying the clippers. I heard magic Johnson might be. Did you hear that? Do we want to buy the clippers, yes, we are very interested. Reporter: Donald's wife, Shelley sterling is the co-owner and making a case to keep the team. Her lawyer explained her position. She wants to retain her ownership. She is entitled to retain her ownership. Nobody can force her to give up her ownership. She doesn't want to go to court. Let me tell you if anybody fries to take await her ownership without her consent she will do everything in her power and I will too, to protect her valuable property right. Mrs. Sterling is considering divorcing her husband and that she doesn't share his racist views. Saying "I do not condone those statements that you heard. I do not believe in them. I am not a racist." The NBA has left the door open for her to take ownership of the team. This ruling applies specifically to Donald sterling and Donald sterling's conduct only. Coach doc rivers told ESPN not everyone would welcome Mrs. Sterling in such a role. I think it would be a very hard situation. I will say that much. I think it would be very difficult. I guarantee you every person would be on board with that. Whether I would or not, I'm not going to say. Reporter: Court documents reveal Mrs. Sterling may not be as unlike her huh band as she claims to be. Some former sterling tenants have accused her of blatant racism including one who said, quote, I asked her would you reduce the rent. And she said, quote, who do you think you are you black ex-play tichlt in a statement, Shelley's lawyer said, quote, these claims are based on allegations lifted from legal proceedings none of which resulted in a finding of discrimination against Mr. Sterling or the sterlings' companies. Mrs. Sterling said the allegation was, quote, completely false and very hurtful. She has denied discriminating against tenants. There have been lawsuits in which she has been involved in. Obviously once Shelley sterling says, you know, I am not a part of whatever my husband did and discovery is open. We are going to find out. It is going to be visited, revisited. What Shelley sterling might have said years ago in various cases. So she is going to be subject to the same scrutiny. Reporter: If today's recording reveals anything when it comes to his team, Donald sterling isn't going down without a fight. You can't force someone to sell property in America. I'm a lawyer. That's my opinion. Reporter: Ryan smith for "Nightline" in New York.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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